Hey guys! At the moment, I've got my compost bins along a neighbouring fence. I've always loved composting. Every year I get a bit more into it, and spend even more time on it. This year, I've started trying hot composting, which means I'm spending even more time at the fence, checking it, turning it, occassionally moving it, etc.
The neighbours on the other side of the fence are people we've gotten along with for the past 14 years, since moving here. However, one of them has recently retired. Since then, we've noticed them becoming a lot more nosy and critical of our garden, in general.
When I say 'critical,' here are some examples:
- 'why is there a piece of paper on the ground?'
- I mention a plan to grow hydrangeas and magnolias: 'don't do it, I don't like them!'
- 'you should put in a concrete driveway.' When told no, we want to put in wood chips instead, I'm told not to, because they did that, and 'there were spiders!' 🤦♀️ It's fucking Australia, that shit happens all the time!
- they see a wild baby sapling popping up in our yard: 'you better get that out quickly, that looks like shit!'
- they see mushrooms growing on the property next to ours: 'oh, those mushies are growing heaps!' (translation: get rid of them)
Also, whenever I'm dealing with my compost at the fence (which is a LOT), I can hear them just standing around listening. Listening to me talking to my partner on the phone, listening to me having private conversations with my family etc (have coached my family not to chat with me at the fence anymore).
They frequently pop their heads over the fence while I'm busting my arse and want to be left alone to work. Always with some brand of inane bullshit already mentioned.
I am planning to move the bins away from that fence, and put up a tall magnolia hedge. Ahem.
I found another good spot away from my fence. And I realised I spend so much time enjoying my compost work, why not create a dedicated space where I can work in peace? I'm thinking, a work bench, lots of compost activating plants, etc.
So, I was wondering, what is your perfect compost station setup in real life, or in your dreams? I'm seeking inspiration!